Lawmakers say highway safety starts with knowing who is behind the wheel. Across the country, states are moving to tighten truck driver rules.
Following the feds’ lead
States are getting a clear message from Washington: follow federal trucking rules or risk losing federal funding.
Last year, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned states to enforce English proficiency requirements.
A growing number of states are tightening English standards for truck drivers.
Federal officials are also watching how states handle non-domiciled CDLs. If states fail to act, transportation funding could be on the chopping block.
At the same time, lawmakers are taking aim at undocumented truck drivers.
Tennessee
Tennessee lawmakers say highway safety starts with knowing who is behind the wheel.
Gov. Bill Lee signed multiple bills targeting undocumented workers.
Illegal CDL holders
One new law makes it a crime for someone in the country illegally to hold a CDL or drive a truck. Violations would be treated as a Class A misdemeanor.
Supporters say the law closes a gap that allowed people who were not legally present in the U.S. to keep driving commercial vehicles.
Police can also notify federal immigration officials when arrests are made under the law.
Rep. Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, told lawmakers the state needs to take action because some other states are permitting illegal immigrants to gain access to CDLs.
“We are going to prioritize the safety of our highways from Memphis to Mountain City,” Zachary said. “Many of you have seen the horrific stories and accidents caused by illegal aliens with CDLs. We must act.”
The new law also targets trucking companies. Businesses that knowingly allow undocumented truck drivers to operate commercial vehicles could face misdemeanor charges.
State employees who improperly issue a CDL could also face liability if that driver later causes injuries or property damage.
The rule does not apply to customers, brokers, or shippers.
The new law takes effect on July 1.
English proficiency
Another Tennessee law raises the bar for driver qualifications.
Starting next month, written driver’s license exams must be given in English. A one-time exception is included.
The law also requires proof of U.S. citizenship or legal status when registering a vehicle.
Supporters say the goal is simple: Make sure drivers can understand road signs, communicate with law enforcement, and safely share the road with everyone else.
Arizona
Arizona lawmakers are also taking a tougher approach.
A bill sent to the governor would require truck drivers using non-domiciled CDLs to prove legal status during traffic stops. A foreign or out-of-state license alone would no longer be enough.
Failure to provide proof could result in the driver being placed out of service on the spot.
The consequences don’t stop there.
Law enforcement could impound the truck. If cargo is not removed after 24 hours, it could be impounded too. The equipment stays locked up until violations are resolved, leaving owners responsible for the bill.
Sen. Frank Carroll, R-Sun City West, said CDLs are supposed to meet a higher standard.
He argued that some states are allowing licenses to outlast the visas tied to them, creating what he believes is a serious safety problem.
Carroll pointed to deadly crashes involving drivers whose visas had expired but who were still operating commercial vehicles.
His message was blunt: Drivers whose legal status has expired should not still be driving trucks. LL
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